Carson Shanks was officially added to the men's basketball roster and is enrolled in classes at UND.

Shanks joins men's basketball program

Courtesy: UNDsports.com
Release: 01/15/2014

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GRAND FORKS, N.D. - University of North Dakota men’s basketball coach Brian Jones announced the addition of Carson Shanks to his roster on Wednesday. The 7-footer from Apple Valley, Minn., began his collegiate career this past season at Utah State, but decided to transfer after one semester with the Aggies.

"We are obviously excited to add a player like Carson to our program," UND head coach Brian Jones said. "He is a skilled big man that has a basketball IQ that is off the charts. He passes the ball really well, shoots its really well and can score in bunches.

"But to me, what is even more impressive than his ability on the court, is the character this young man possesses. He is going to add a lot of value to our lockerroom and with him and Bryce Cashman coming in next season, our future front line will fit nicely against the ones we will be facing in the Big Sky."

Shanks will be eligible to play following the 2014 fall semester and have three-and-a-half years of eligibility remaining to play at UND. He can practice with the team immediately.

Shanks was a standout at Prior Lake High School in the Minneapolis suburbs where he was a four-year letterwinner. As a senior, he averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocks per game while leading his team to its first 20-win season in 10 years.

He earned a pair of all-conference honors during his prep career after putting up similar numbers as a junior.

The versatile big man has ties to the UND program having played for assistant coach Gameil Ahelegbe during his AUU days for 43 Hoops and he also teamed with current point guard Quinton Hooker on that squad.